Massive omnibus bill targets auto regulations, telecom fees and more

OTTAWA—The Conservative government’s latest omnibus budget implementation bill runs to 359 pages and includes changes to at least 39 different pieces of legislation. Many of the changes appear to have little to do with the budget.

Among the changes are those that would:

• Impose penalties on employers who abuse the temporary foreign workers program.
• Bring motor vehicle safety standards more in line with American regulations.
• Increase the number of judges on the Superior Court of Quebec and Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench.
• Allow people to transport beer and spirits for “personal consumption” from province to province.
• Amend the National Defence Act to put the prefix “royal” back into the official monikers of the Canadian navy and air force.
• Dissolve the board of the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency.
• Tighten regulations on the sale and importation of hazardous products intended for use in a workplace.
• Authorize cabinet to make safety regulations related to “specified fresh fruits and vegetables.”
• Cap the amount Canadian telecommunications carriers can charge other Canadian carriers for roaming fees.
• Prevent disgraced senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau from accruing pensionable service while under suspension from the upper house.